Vedic Mathematics

Vedic Mathematics is the name given to the ancient system of Indian Mathematics, which is rediscovered from the Vedas by Swami Sri Bharti Krishna Tirthaji ( 1884-1960 ). Tirthaji was a great scholar of Sanskrit, Mathematics, History and Philosophy. He spent eight years ( 1911 to 1918 ) in forest solitude in his attempt to interpret Sanskrit texts from Vedas, that other scholars has dismissed. He wrote sixteen volumes expounding the Vedic system but, these were unaccountably lost and when the loss was confirmed, in his final years he wrote a single book on Vedic mathematics. It was published in 1965, five years after his death.

According to Tirthaji’s research, Mathematics is based on Sixteen Sutras, or word-formulae. These formulae describe the way, the mind naturally works and are therefore a great help in directing the student to the appropriate method of solution.The most striking feature of Vedic system is its coherence. The whole system is beautifully interrelated and unified. The general multiplication method, for example, is easily reversed to allow one-line divisons. Difficult problems or huge sums can often be solved immediately by the Vedic method. These striking and beautiful methods are just a part of a complete system of mathematics which is far more systematic than the modern system

The simplicity of Vedic mathematics lies in the fact that calculations can be carried out mentally ( though the methods can also be written down ). There are many advantages of using this flexible, mental system. Pupils can invent their own methods, they are not limited to the one ‘correct’ method. This leads to more creative, interested and intelligent pupils. But the real beauty and effectiveness of Vedic Mathematics cannot be appreciated without actually practicing the system. One can then see that it is perhaps the most refined and effective mathematical system possible